WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)-- Two very significant items came to the Basilica Shrine of St. Mary's today.

The Catholic Church celebrated the arrival of the Umbrellino and the Tintinnabulum at their masses this weekend. These two pieces symbolize their title as a Basilica. This represents their close connection with the Bishop of Rome, who is also known as the Pope.

The Bishop of Diocese of Raleigh says it is more than that.

"It's really exciting," Bishop Michael Burbidge said. "It's an honor, so we celebrate that. What we are really celebrating is the unity that is ours as a Catholic Church."

Both of these items were handcrafted and generously donated by Dr. Ted Gasper and his family.

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